Chapter 49: Kiss From A Rose

The crew soon relocated from Gray Entertainment to General Motors Production Center.

This vast industrial complex has remained closed since General Motors closed its Atlanta production centre in 2000. Following their collaboration with the crew, Kelly Gray took the initiative to rent a spacious factory building and convert it into a sound studio.

Under the direction of French filmmaker Michel Gondry, more than 20 key cast and crew members arrived in Atlanta, marking the commencement of filming for "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind."

Martin had a minor role, and his part consisted of fragmented scenes. His primary daily routine consisted of applying makeup and waiting.

However, this role was more complex than it appeared. Martin occasionally practised with Robert with different scenes to stay prepared.

Much like the character in the film "San Francisco Valley," he seemed to have no prominent presence. Yet, when the director called upon him, he had to deliver his lines with enthusiasm, avoiding any hint of sluggishness.

Regardless of whether Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet were in peak form, those who acted against them had to make minimal mistakes.

In the actors' relaxation area, Martin playfully exchanged a fist bump with Robert, saying, "Brother, let's not make any mistakes." It was Robert's turn in the next scene, and he replied, "I'm an experienced background artist."

For an upcoming scene, five or six actors were to serve as a backdrop in a "bookstore" setting.

Robert had secured a favourable position, one that might catch the camera's attention.

Before filming commenced, Martin noticed that Robert had subtly shifted half a step closer to Kate Winslet. Judging from the camera's perspective, he would undoubtedly be captured in the shot.

Robert truly was a seasoned background artist who knew how to seize opportunities.

Perhaps due to the stuffy studio atmosphere or perhaps due to Kate Winslet's challenging day, her performance was subpar today, requiring more than a dozen takes to complete a straightforward scene.

French director Michel could only shoot one take after another, struggling to achieve the desired result.

Once Robert returned, Martin prepared to step into the scene. His scene with Kate Winslet involved two lines of dialogue and a kiss.

Before entering the set, Martin sprayed some breath freshener and briefly discussed the scene with Kate Winslet.

Kate Winslet asserted, "I'll take the lead and set the pace."

Martin confidently replied, "I understand."

The assistant director came over to provide them with direction.

The cameras started rolling.

The lead actors engaged in dialogue, and Martin emerged from behind a bookshelf, conversing with the heroine before leaning in for a kiss.

However, the heroine quickly initiated the kiss, pressing her lips onto Martin's.

Director Michel stopped the scene and exclaimed, "Too shallow! We need a deep, passionate kiss that conveys love!"

They restarted, and the heroine kissed Martin once again.

Michel remained dissatisfied, remarking, "Kate, are you planning to devour him?"

Once more, they halted the scene.

The romantic sensibilities of the French director left him with a perfectionist and demanding approach to kissing scenes.

After more than ten consecutive takes, Michel's dissatisfaction persisted.

Kate Winslet's condition worsened with each attempt, making it increasingly difficult for her to perform at her best.

Martin's lips grew numb from the various types of kisses he was subjected to.

Initially, he found a semblance of delight, reminiscing about kissing Rose.

However, it soon became a detached experience, a mere kissing scene between him and Kate Winslet.

At that moment, Martin could only focus on the task at hand, treating it as if it were a dummy before him.

After several more attempts and subsequent stoppages, Michel couldn't help but admonish, "No sticking out your tongue!"

An exasperated Kate Winslet retorted, "Who knows what you want? You snobby Frenchmen vent your frustrations on women!" She was a woman unafraid to confront authority on set, using her status as a woman to fire back: "Enough of these tedious French methods. I've had my fill of you in Los Angeles, A Frenchmen who take out their frustrations on women!"

Kate Winslet's British insult only further incensed Michel: "You insolent, uncouth piece of beef! While there may be no undersea tunnel here, there is an international airport that leads straight to hell. It's just as convenient as Charles de Gaulle Airport!" Everyone present, including Jim Carrey, hastily retreated, eager to avoid becoming embroiled in the heated exchange.

Producer Steve Golin, screenwriter and producer Charlie Kaufman, and executive producer Louise Meyer all arrived on set to mediate the dispute.

Work on the set came to a halt, and Martin returned to the relaxation area. After consulting with an assistant makeup artist, he gently wiped his lips with a moist towelette.

Robert couldn't resist a teasing remark, saying, "I was a bit envious of you at first, but now...you've been through quite an ordeal."

After a prolonged effort by the three producers to reconcile the situation, the tension finally subsided.

Martin adjusted his costume and made his way back to the set.

Kate Winslet noticed the condition of Martin's lips and politely said, "I'm sorry."

In a soft reply, Martin assured her, "It's okay."

Director Michelle glanced at Martin and inquired of the makeup artist, "How's his mouth?"

The makeup artist responded, "It's going to take some time."

Michelle, unable to wait for a minor actor, instructed the assistant, "Adjust his position."

As filming resumed, Martin sidestepped, kissing Kate Winslet with their backs to the camera, avoiding a frontal shot.

Martin reluctantly accepted the reality that, despite the quarrel between the director and the lead actress, he was the one who ended up in an unfortunate situation.

Back in the rest area, Robert expressed his delight, saying, "Although you had lines, at least your face wasn't in it."

Martin had finished his scenes for the day, so he removed his makeup, and the two of them headed to their trailer.

Once he'd removed his makeup, Martin inquired of Robert, "What's next for you after your part is done?"

Robert replied, "I've been chosen to be part of the logistics team, mainly involved in transporting food and drinks. It's something I'm familiar with."

Martin couldn't help but jest, "Man, you may not be the lead or even a supporting actor in this production, but you don't have to work this hard."

Robert, uninterested in engaging with Martin, pointed ahead and said, "Look, isn't that our lead actor?"

Martin glanced in the direction indicated and spotted a handsome blond actor among the extras changing clothes under an awning. After a moment of thought, he asked, "Is that Adam Smith?"

Robert nodded, saying, "Yes, the lead actor in your previous drama, City Folks. Unexpectedly, he's in the same boat as me now, relegated to being an extra."

From the nearby dining car, a mixed-race woman emerged and greeted Robert, asking, "Are you finished for the day?" Robert replied, "I'm done shooting; I'll start doing odd jobs tomorrow." The African American woman turned her attention to Martin, and Robert made introductions, saying, "This is Martin, the assistant director of the troupe. Martin, meet Rosa, a former member of the troupe who'd just returned." Rosa extended her hand to Martin, her chocolate-coloured skin smooth as satin, and said, "I remember you."

Martin didn't recall her, but he politely shook her hand and replied, "I remember you too."

A black BMW 7-series pulled up at the roadside, and Kelly Gray, dressed professionally, stepped out of the car, waving to Martin.

Martin mentioned, "I have a friend," and walked over to Kelly.

Observing his mouth, Kelly Gray inquired, "What happened here?"

Martin shrugged and explained, "During a kissing scene, I must have been too charming and got my lips swollen from the actress's kiss."

Kelly smiled and delivered good news, saying, "I've got some good news for you. Your gig as a social investigator has been upgraded to a regular position with a weekly salary of $500."

Grateful, Martin asked, "How can I ever thank you?"

Kelly didn't evade the question, knowing Martin wasn't naive, and replied, "You'll figure it out, I'm sure. More."

Martin chuckled, saying, "So, when do I get to address you as Congresswoman Kelly?"

Kelly Gray responded, "There's still a long way to go."

On the other side, Rosa observed Martin and asked Robert curiously, "Is he very close to the boss of Gray Film and Television?"

Robert replied vaguely, "They seem to be friends, but I don't know the details."

Rosa, however, believed there was more to their connection, stating, "It seems like it's more than just friendship."

Robert didn't wish to delve further into the topic and responded ambiguously, "Who knows."

Martin turned, waved goodbye to Robert, and accompanied Kelly Gray back to the studio.

Rosa glanced back at them, then invited Robert, "How about I treat you to dinner?"

Robert pointed to the dining car, saying, "Didn't you eat?"

Rosa replied, "No," and grabbed Robert's arm, leading him away.

Passing by the open-air dressing area, Adam Smith was changing out of his costume when he noticed Rosa approaching and greeted her, "Hi, Rosa, where are you headed?"

Rosa halted and responded, "We're going for dinner."

Adam Smith glanced at Rosa's curvaceous figure and then at the less attractive man accompanying her. With a charming smile, he offered, "Perfect timing. I was just about to have dinner too. Can I treat you?"

However, Rosa's gaze fell on his extra costume, and she declined politely, "I'm sorry, I already have plans."

Adam Smith sighed, looking at his costume, feeling the contrast between his former leading roles and his current status as an extra.

Ward approached from the side and whispered, "Diego, Boyet's subordinate, called. He wants us to pick up some goods tonight. The high-end clubs love those new watches."

Adam Smith understood and replied, "I got it."

In the late-night drama of Gray Film and Television, Adam Smith, despite not earning a particularly high salary as the lead actor, supplemented his income by working part-time in high-end clubs and delivering goods for others.

Ward asked tentatively, "Should we just break it to him over there?"

Adam Smith didn't mind and said, "Even big stars like Marlon Brando did odd jobs in their early days. What do I have to be afraid of?" He tapped Ward on the shoulder and added, "Easy to get on the boat, hard to get off."

After all, who would willingly give up the comforts of a lucrative career?